Petro Gazz Angels’ import Wilma Salas within the PVL All-Filipino Convention. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines — Wilma Salas and the Petro Gazz Angels provide their ‘three-peat’ marketing campaign within the 2024 PVL Bolstered Convention to their late teammate Janisa Johnson.
Main Petro Gazz’s mission for a 3rd consecutive Bolstered title, the Cuban spiker’s motivation is successful a championship for her ex-teammate and former Finals MVP Johnson, whom she conspired with when the Angels gained their first title 5 years in the past.
“[I’m] unhappy as a result of Janisa isn’t right here on this life [anymore]. I got here to the league on this convention for Janisa. So each level, each [game], we consider Janisa,” mentioned Salas after scoring 15 factors of their 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 win over ZUS Espresso on Thursday at Philsports Area.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Bolstered Convention
Johnson handed away at age 32 on Could 25 after a protracted battle with colon most cancers.
“Her superb smile each time. I missed it a lot about JJ as a result of she pushed [her teammates] and was very sensible each recreation. I miss her a lot,” Salas, the The 2019 Greatest International Visitor Participant, mentioned.
A jersey No.10 with an angel’s wing was printed on Petro Gazz’s jersey this midseason convention.
Wilma Salas misses Janisa.#PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/rCZAafSOMQ
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 18, 2024
Brooke Van Sickle, who didn’t have an opportunity to play with Johnson, hopes to honor the previous Petro Gazz star as she wears the identical quantity.
“I wasn’t capable of meet her however the whole lot I’ve heard was simply great issues. Everybody has a lot love for her. We really met her greatest good friend a few weeks in the past she got here in follow with us and birds of the identical feather flock collectively, the good friend was superb,” mentioned the reigning All-Filipino Convention MVP, who scored 22 factors.
READ: PVL: Petro Gazz opens title bid with sweep of ZUS Espresso
“I needed I may have been capable of watch her play and play together with her however I’m comfortable to have the ability to be carrying the identical quantity and. Hopefully, I can proceed to play nicely and get that win for her.”
Marina Terrell, Johnson’s greatest good friend, visited Petro Gazz and tried out for the staff in the course of the Volleyball Nations League Week 3. She didn’t earn a spot however she had an opportunity to share her story about her good friend.
Salas is enjoying with a special Petro Gazz squad as the one 2019 staff members left have been Chie Saet, Djanel Cheng, and Jonah Sabete however she nonetheless feels at residence.
“Concerning the new teammates. I believe it’s the identical, it appears like 2019. I really feel the identical staff as a result of on daily basis they gave [me] confidence. I solely want extra time for positive as a result of I solely skilled for 4 days for positive I might be higher sooner or later,” she mentioned.
Salas additionally marveled on the PVL’s rise as they play Capital1 of their subsequent Pool B on Tuesday subsequent week.
“I see the extent right here within the Philippines is larger and the groups have superb imports I can see. It’s regular you already know, each time you see a brand new model and new participant [improving every year],” Salas mentioned.
